SECRETS OF THE BOLSHOI; This week, the world's greatest ballet company returns to the London stage. To celebrate, Jenny Gilbert delves into a dazzling photographic archive.(Features) From: The Independent (London, England) | Date: July 17, 2004| Author: Gilbert, Jenny | COPYRIGHT 2004 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Byline: Jenny Gilbert

ncomparable", "thrilling", "astounding", "an orgy of virtuosity" ... British critics were dizzy with praise on their first sighting of the Bolshoi Ballet in 1956, and no wonder. The Moscow company's long-awaited first visit to London was also its first ever visit to the West, and no one this side of the Iron Curtain had seen anything like it.

The men's virile characterisations and muscular heroics left audiences gasping. Soon the previou...